Energy Secretary Moniz and Nevada Governor Sandoval Formalize Working Group to Advance Shared Interests at Nevada National Security Site
Department of Energy and State of Nevada also Finalize Record of Decision on Key National Security Activities at NNSS
WASHINGTON—U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the senior-level Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) Working Group, previously established to address issues of interest related to the NNSS.
The Nevada National Security Site is critically important to the Department of Energy and the State of Nevada. This MOU supports the continuation of a variety of activities, including the review and discussion of waste streams, waste acceptance criteria, public safety and environmental stewardship, future missions at the NNSS, and other important issues.
Both the State of Nevada and the Department of Energy believe that proactive and candid communication is essential to promote a collaborative working relationship between both parties. Through such proactive communication, both can better inform stakeholders of what is happening at the NNSS, identify areas of improvement, and resolve key concerns. The Department and the State look forward to a successful and productive relationship moving forward on all interests the two share, from the important mission at NNSS to investments in solar and geothermal energy technology across the state to the role of Tesla’s gigafactory in mass producing batteries for electric vehicles.
“The announcement formalizes a long-standing and productive relationship between the Department and the State of Nevada,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “I have been very pleased with the positive interactions of both parties to date and look forward to collaborating further on matters associated with the Nevada National Security Site in the years to come.”
“This is an important step forward in ensuring continuity in collaboration between Nevada and the Department of Energy. Today’s announcement solidifies the Nevada National Security Site Working Group and represents a milestone achievement in our commitment to candid and direct communication on these critical issues,” said Governor Brian Sandoval.
The National Nuclear Security Administration also issued a Record of Decision (ROD) that works to preserve and enhance the important national security activities taking place at NNSS.
The State of Nevada and the Department have acknowledged the broad and critical national security mission that the NNSS serves, and recognize their mutual interest in long-term and safe management of the Site. Following the signing of the MOU and issuance of the ROD, the State and Department plan to continue and enhance the development of best practices and foster a strong dialogue with the community on the safe and environmentally sound transport and disposal of low-level and mixed low-level radioactive waste.
